SINGAPORE – In a harrowing case that has gripped the nation, a man was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for delivering a fatal punch to his friend, ultimately leading to the friend's tragic death.

Eng Chee Hong, 55, appeared in court on October 10, where he received a sentence of two years and nine months in prison following his guilty plea for voluntarily causing hurt. In addition, he faced charges for driving under the influence of alcohol in a separate incident.

The Incident

The bitter altercation occurred in the early hours of January 1. Eng, upset by his friend Dao Van Chien's drunken antics, punched the 38-year-old Vietnamese man in the face. The force of the blow caused Mr. Chien to fall backward onto a concrete floor, resulting in severe head injuries. He succumbed to those injuries four days later in the hospital.

Legal Proceedings

Despite the serious nature of the incident, Eng initially sought a five-week deferment of his sentence to spend time with his terminally ill mother. However, his sister withdrew as his bailor, expressing her belief that he should start serving his time without delay.

Judgment and Sentencing

At the sentencing, District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan emphasized the need for retribution and deterrence to illustrate the severe consequences of resorting to violence. He stated, “The sentence must clearly signal that those who resort to violence will have to pay heavily for the consequences of their deeds,” highlighting the disproportionate nature of Eng's actions, as Mr. Chien posed no physical threat.

Family's Grief

The court also heard of the emotional toll the incident took on Mr. Chien’s family, who had flown in from Vietnam to attend the proceedings. Their grief was palpable, underscoring the impact of sudden and senseless violence.

Remorse and Condolences

Eng expressed remorse in court, offering a heartfelt apology to Mr. Chien's family, stating, “This is something that shouldn’t have happened. I truly want to apologise to all of you. I am sorry.”

Reflection on Violence

Judge Koo concluded the proceedings with a message of condolence to Mr. Chien's relatives, hoping that time would help ease their suffering.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from moments of anger and the need for society to address issues surrounding violence in a proactive manner. As the community reflects on this incident, it raises questions about the support systems in place for both victims and offenders, and the ongoing struggle to reduce alcohol-related violence.